A big home for big game
Sharjah Safari opens as a spacious refuge for many endangered species.
By Helen Jones
On February 17, the largest wildlife reserve outside Africa opened in Sharjah. Five years in the making, Sharjah Safari will be home to 120 animal species, including some that are incredibly rare—the critically endangered black rhino among them. The reserve will be home to giraffes, gazelles, lions, elephants, flamingos and crocodiles, among others, many of which have spent years acclimating since their release.
Sharjah Safari is within the Al Bridi Reserve in Al Dhaid—initially opened in 2007 as a conservation zone in an effort to protect biodiversity and natural ecosystems—and stretches over 800 hectares. Twelve different environments represent the diverse terrain of Africa and the animals and birds that live in it. More than 100,000 trees have been planted, native and African species, including the important Acacia tortilis that is common in the arid ecosystems of Africa and the Middle East.
It is, says Hana Al Suwaidi, chairman of the Environment and Protected Areas Authority in Sharjah, “the most important event in the authority’s extended journey.” Sharjah and the UAE “have an unparalleled natural destination in the region. We look forward to Sharjah Safari contributing to preserving biodiversity and wildlife.”
Even before it opened, Sharjah Safari was carrying out vital conservation work. Last August, a rare southern white rhino was born on site, the result of a breeding programme, supported by the UN, that focuses on African species. The young female was named Wuhaida. Found primarily in southern Africa, the southern white rhino population is recovering—today, the population is thought to number some 18,000—having been hunted almost to the point of extinction in the 20th century.
Sharjah Safari also features a large natural lake and a safari camp for refreshments. It will be open daily from 08:30 to 18:30.
Photo: WAM
